Blessing of the Fields is May 15

May 12, 2014

The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum will celebrate an old tradition with the annual Blessing of the Fields procession on May 15.

Beginning at 10 a.m., Rev. Vince Petersen, O.F.M. Conv., Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tortugas, will lead the colorful procession around the museum grounds, to bless the animals, plants and irrigation system. Before the procession, Henry Narvaez, Cacique of Tortugas Pueblo, will lead the prayer to the four directions.

Visitors who come to the museum to participate in the procession from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. will not be charged admission. Students from Las Cruces Catholic Schools will be among the participants. The ballet folklorico group, Las Perlitas del Pueblo, will perform in the museumís theater at 11:30.

This marks the 16th year that the museum has held this program, which focuses on a long and rich history.

San Ysidro, the patron saint of farmers, lived from 1070 to 1130. He worked in the fields for a wealthy landowner and was known for his devotion to God, his humility and his generosity to those less fortunate than him.

The story of San Ysidro has been passed down through the generations and still inspires many farmers and their families in the Mesilla Valley. For many years, workers in San Miguel would make a pilgrimage each May, stopping at all the villages along the valley. There would be a fiesta, with food and entertainment.